Policies and Guidelines

Are intended to facilitate the most effective use of facilities within the Memorial Union (MU).

Are intended to provide uniform and consistent administration of space usage in the MU facilities.

Apply to the use of facilities and resources in the Memorial Union that are made available for meetings, conferences, activities, and events.

Do not apply to those spaces permanently allocated to Staff, University Offices, University Departments, or Recognized Student Organizations. Other policies and procedures apply to those spaces (http://policy.iastate.edu/)

A student organization or campus organization officially recognized by the Student Activities Center, East Student Office Space, MU and recognized by the Student Organization Recognition Board. There are three recognition tiers for student organizations (Sponsored, Affiliated and Registered). For more information about criteria for recognition tier, visit http://policy.iastate.edu/policy/sorp/. Student Organization classification may impact space privileges.

A one-time occurrence such as a speaker, dance, concert, workshop, table and booth reservation, or a series of such occurrences such as a multi-day conference that is open to the public unless specified by the reserving group.

General fee for facility usage. Recognized student organizations and campus departments are not charged a facility usage charge; however, other event related charges such as staffing, equipment, security, parking, catering, etc. may apply.

Special Event Staff may be required to assist with your event. They do not take the place of security personnel that may be required for the event by the MU Event Management Office, the Event Authorization Committee and/or Department of Public Safety. All additional staffing costs will be billed to the group hosting the event.

The terms used within the Iowa State Memorial Union Event Management Office to describe the status of a reservation.

Confirmed – All event details have been finalized and no significant changes can occur without Event Management approval. This status is required at least 3 business days prior to the event date for meeting space and 10 business days for ballroom space in order for the event to occur.

Tentative – The space has been reserved within the academic year, but the reservation still needs final details, including but not limited to, room set-up, event start time, arrival time, departure time, program agenda, audio/visual needs, payment and customer confirmation.

Memorial Union Event Management Office is responsible for reserving and coordinating the use of all MU facilities, and outdoor green spaces, including (but not limited to) the Campanile Lawns, Curtiss Lawns, South Libary Lawn, East Marston Lawn and Lagomarcino Courtyard. Reservations are made in the order in which the requests are submitted, with consideration being given to the size of the group, type of program, and space available.

An Iowa State Memorial Union (MU) event space reservation may be requested by any University Department, Recognized Student Organization or Non-University Group. Normal Memorial Union building operation hours are 7:00am- 10:00pm. Space request beyond the current academic year may not be guaranteed.

The Iowa State Memorial Union is primarily dedicated to the mission of Iowa State University of teaching, research and service. University-related activities, including the university departments and recognized student organizations, will be given priority.

All groups using MU facilities shall obey all published University and MU policies, regulations, guidelines, as well as all local, state and federal laws. Violations by any group may result in the loss of scheduling privileges within the Memorial Union

ISU Catering has an exclusive contract at the Memorial Union. Groups utilizing MU facilities are not permitted to bring their own food or beverage into the Memorial Union. Any exceptions need to be requested through the Event Management Office, 3630 MU (Click here for MU food policy).

The group scheduling MU facilities will be financially responsible for any charges or fees for services or personnel resulting from the meeting, event, or activity including event services, AV services and personnel (special event staffing, security, etc).

The Memorial Union reserves the right to cancel or suspend any event, when it is determined that an unreasonable risk to the security and/or safety of the facility and/or its patrons exists. Organizations sponsoring events are responsible for adequate supervision of their activities, and for the conduct of all individuals associated with the event in and around their events/activities. All security costs are the responsibility of the organization hosting the event.

Room reservations for facilities in the Memorial Union may be made by filling out the online room request form. Room requests should be submitted at least three business days prior to the event date.

Normal hours of operations for event and meeting space are 7:00am-10:00pm. Requests before or after this time frame may incur a fee and must be approved by the Event Management Office.

Recognized Student Organizations may reserve meeting rooms in the MU at no charge.

Recognized Organizations are limited to no more than two (2) meeting rooms per week with a four (4) hour time limit for routine weekly activities. Additional space can be requested one week in advance, pending availability and the approval of the Event Management Office. Ballroom and Terrace spaces are not eligible for reoccurring reservations.

Full payment must be received prior to receiving a confirmed reservation. If payment is not received in a timely manner, the event will be cancelled unless special arrangements have been made. University departments and student groups must submit the department account or intramural to the Event Management Office prior to receiving a confirmed reservation. Charges or fees for Recognized Student Organizations must be paid by an intramural. Intramurals must be signed by the advisor and treasurer of the student group. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of future reservations for the group.

Reoccurring meetings are not allowed in the ballroom spaces.

Memorial Union locations may not be scheduled as rain locations for Student Organization or University Department events planned elsewhere.

Iowa State University Departments, Sponsored Student Organizations and non-university groups may request for space beyond the current academic year for up to 3 years in advance. Request for future reservations may be submitted immediately following the conclusion of the event during the current year.

Request for space beyond the current academic year will initially be recorded as a Customer Hold until the academic year of the reservation. Coinciding requests for the same space between university organizations for future reservations will be reviewed by the Director, Associate Director, or designee. Once a concern has been identified, all groups involved will be informed promptly and provided a date on which they can expect a decision concerning the requests. The MU Board of Directors Facility Committee may be consulted and requested to provide a recommendation as deemed necessary. Requesting groups will receive a written confirmation of approval, denial and/or proposed alternative dates for the requested event.

Programs scheduled more than one year in advance may not be guaranteed set pricing for services including room rentals, equipment fees and staffing fees. The fee schedule is subject to change each fiscal year.

Number of requests for space may be limited based on availability or discretion of the Event Management Office

Space requests for more than 3 years in advance will require approval from the MU Director, Associate Director or designee.

Affiliated and Registered Student Organizations may submit request for space one semester in advance.

Fall Semester (reservations for spring semester) may begin:​​​

​The First Monday of April - Affiliated Student Organizations

Th​e Second Monday of April - All Registered Student Organizations and Campus Organizations

Spring Semester (reservations for fall semester) may begin:​

​The First Monday of November - Affiliated Student Organizations

Th​e Second Monday of November - All Registered Student Organizations and Campus Organizations​

The Memorial Union makes available a variety of media equipment for use in the Memorial Union facilities only. Use of this equipment may be arranged through the Event Management office. All equipment is to remain within its assigned space.

Payment for the equipment must be made prior to receiving a confirmed reservation. An intramural or university fund account is required for payment. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of future reservations for the group.

Groups sponsoring events using the Durham Great Hall, Oak Room, South Ballroom, and Sun Room sound system are required to use MU staff. The MU reserves the right to require professional technical support staff at the sponsoring organization’s expense.

Groups that request to use an outside sound company may do so as long as the company provides all necessary equipment including microphones, speakers, and soundboards. Outside vendors may be allowed access to MU sound system with the hiring of a MU technician.

ISU Catering has an exclusive catering contract to provide catering services within the Memorial Union. Groups utilizing MU facilities are not permitted to bring their own food or beverage into the Memorial Union. Any exceptions need to be requested through the Event Management Office, 3630 MU.

For internal meetings, ISU Student Organizations can apply for permission to bring in food from a select number of external vendors. See Recognized Student Organization Food Policy. (Request an approved food vendor)

Alcoholic beverages will be served in accordance with the Code of the State of Iowa, Ames City Ordinance and social hosting guidelines of Iowa State University. All alcoholic beverages will be served by ISU Catering.

Recognized student organizations sponsoring an event are not allowed to have alcohol as part of the event unless it is sponsored by a university department.

University Departments and Non- University organizations are subject to the 10% Facility Fee for catering orders in the MU. Non-University groups will be assessed the full room rental charges even if catering is ordered.

Cancellations of meeting room (900 square feet or fewer) reservations must be made at least 3 business days before an event. A cancellation fee may be assessed for cancellations received less than 3 business days before the event. Please see the Memorial Union fee schedule for rates.

Cancellations of large meeting room (900 square feet or more) reservations must be made at least 10 business days prior to the event. A cancellation fee will be assessed for event space cancellations received less than 10 business days prior to the event. Please see the Memorial Union fee schedule for cancellation rates.

Cancellations of ballroom (Great Hall, South Ballroom, Sun Room) reservations must be made at least 10 business days prior to the event. A cancellation fee will be assessed for event space cancellations received less than 20 business days prior to the event. Please see the Memorial Union fee schedule for cancellation rates.

Not showing for meeting without proper notice will be considered a No Show for the space. University Departments and Recognized Student Organizations will be assessed a No Show fee for cancellations received less than 24 hours before the date of the event. 100% of room rate and all fees will be assessed to Non-University groups. Please see the Memorial Union fee schedule for rates.

Rooms are considered abandoned after 30 minutes have passed from the scheduled start of the reservation.

Damage or loss to the Memorial Union facility or equipment, the group responsible for the reservation will be liable for any charges. Charges will be based on the repair and/or replacement costs of area or equipment.

Changes to space layout and room setup may be requested up to 3 business days prior to the reservation date for meeting rooms (900 square feet or less). Changes to space layout and room setup may be requested up to 10 business days prior to the reservation date for meeting rooms (900 square feet or more) Groups will be allotted a maximum of 3 requested diagram drafts at no charge. Additional diagram revisions may result in fees to the reserving organization.

The Memorial Union Event Management Office holds the right to require a dress rehearsal for any event; he/she deems it necessary for. Required rehearsals will not result in an extra charge to the organization.

a) Decorations in the Memorial Union are generally limited to meeting rooms and ballrooms.

b) Decorations must be free standing or mounted on an easel or pipe and draping.

c) Decorations, signs, postings, or other items may not in any way be attached to interior or exterior Memorial Union public area walls, fixtures, or property. Decorations cannot be taped, glued, puttied, stapled or attached in any way to painted surfaces, stage, floor, glass, walls or furniture.

d) The use of non-stick blue putty or tape is not permitted due to the stain left behind and damage to wall surface

e) All decorations must be removed by the sponsoring group or organization at the conclusion of the event. MU staff will dispose of any decorations remaining after the event and fees may be applied.

f) Glitter, confetti, sand, dry vegetative matter (hay, straw, alfalfa etc) and open flame candles are prohibited. Balloons are not allowed in the Great Hall of the South Ballroom. The reserving group will be held responsible for any damage to the room(s) reserved. A fee may be assessed if the room or surrounding facilities require excessive, non-routine cleaning after the event.

g) Decorations may not cover windows, doors, or fire routes.

h) Unmanned Aircraft Systems including drones, model airplanes and toys are not allowed to be operated within the Memorial Union.

Recognized organizations and university departments may reserve MU space for political activities. Political activities are defined as those events which have as their purpose the endorsement, support, or advancement of a politically affiliated cause, organization, party, or candidate.

Recognized organizations and departments are charged room rent if equal representation of the political debate, campaign, or election does not occur. If equal representation does occur, the room rental is waived.

It is the policy of Iowa State University and the Iowa State Memorial Union to permit solicitation by recognized University organizations only. Solicitation shall be defined as any commercial, profit-making, or fund-raising activity as well as activities which involve petitioning, canvassing, campaigning, or distribution of literature. All approved solicitation activities in the Memorial Union are to be confined to reserved spaces such as the first floor booth and display tables, or meeting rooms.

Solicitation outside the Memorial Union must take place at least 100 feet away from the building's entryway. There are two locations that information can be distributed while following University policies within that 100 foot range. Groups may use the area near the fountain and the terrace area west of the building near the revolving door. Groups using these two locations need to remain at least 25 feet away from the entryway and cannot block access to the sidewalks or the entryways.

Any fund-raising efforts performed on campus must be planned, sponsored and coordinated by a registered University organization, not be sponsored by an individual or by a for-profit company outside the University. The organization sponsoring the fund-raising must obtain the product to be sold, advertise, deliver the product, and handle any complaints.

The Memorial Union reserves the right to refuse hosting fundraising activities which are in direct competition with the activities, programs, or services within the Memorial Union or the Student Union Board.

The Colonel Pride Veterans Lounge is dedicated to honor the student veterans of Iowa State University. The primary purpose of this space is to be a lounge/study space for all of the student population.

The Colonel Pride Veterans Lounge may be reserved for military-related special events. It is not available for weekly meetings or reoccurring meetings. Reservations can be made with the Event Management Office.

Recognized organizations and University sponsored events can reserve signboards through the Event Management Office, 3630 MU. Boards are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

At time of reservation, a student organization can reserve up to two (2) boards per event. If more signboards are available, the organization will be able to reserve more. Boards can be reserved for a period of up to 7 days (including weekends).

The Event Management office reserves the right to deny usage of boards due to violation of any of these policies, and/or an unauthorized event.

Signboards must be taken down and returned clean and in working order no later than 4:00pm on the final reservation date or the 7th day to the Event Management Office, 3630 MU. The use of duct tape to affix items to the signboards is prohibited. Packing tape is preferred but not supplied. Fees may be applied if they are returned dirty or damaged.

Future use of the signboards will be denied to groups that fail to return boards promptly after their reservation ends, or without removing promotional material. If the signboard is not returned, a $10 per day late fee will be charged to the group with a maximum of $100.

Groups may use a table or booth from 8am to 5pm on the day of their reservation. Groups not occupying their table or booth by 10:15 am the day of their reservation, without prior notification, must inform the Event Management Office of late occupation or they forfeit their reservation for that day.

Tables and booth must be occupied by a representative of the reserving organization at all times during a reservation, and it is recommended that no more than three people occupy the space at one time.